My ideal home would have high ceilings, built-in book shelves, large spacious rooms, natural light, a view of the city on one side and a view of rolling green hills on the other.
Of course, the reality is a lot different. Books are piled on the floor as there is no space for bookshelves, and living close to a train line means there’s the constant rumble of noise in the background.
But it’s safe, it’s warm, it’s cosy, and it’s a retreat from the world. It’s home.
In an ideal world, my place of work would have modern furnishings, large airy windows and a view over a lake surrounded by greenery. But alas.
Our built environment
The built environment – the man-made structures and spaces where we live, work, and play – plays a significant role in shaping our happiness and overall well-being.
From the design of our homes and neighbourhoods to the layout of cities, the physical surroundings around us influence how we feel, how we interact with others, and even our mental and physical health. Here’s how:
Access to Nature and Green Spaces
Access to parks, green spaces, and natural areas in urban environments has been shown to significantly boost happiness and mental well-being. Studies have found that spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and improves mood.
Green spaces offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, giving people a chance to relax, exercise, and recharge.
An example is Central Park in the heart of Manhattan, one of the most famous urban green spaces in the world. The park’s quiet zones, beautiful scenery, and diverse landscapes allow visitors to connect with nature and enjoy moments of calm away from the concrete surroundings of New York City.
In neighbourhoods with parks and green spaces, like Hampstead Garden Suburb in London and The Meadows in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, residents often report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Even small amounts of greenery, such as tree-lined streets, community gardens, or small parks, can make a difference.
The presence of plants and natural scenery has a calming effect on people, while exposure to sunlight can increase serotonin levels, further contributing to positive emotions.
Walkability and Physical Activity
Walkable environments – those that encourage walking, biking (perhaps not in central London), or other forms of active transportation – can have a positive impact on happiness.
Neighbourhoods with well-connected footpaths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and easy access to amenities, encourage residents to move more and rely less on cars.
A prime example is Vauban in Freiburg, Germany. This neighbourhood was designed to be a “car-free” area, with narrow streets, extensive bike paths, and easy access to public transport. Residents rely primarily on bicycles and public transit, while cars are limited and mostly parked on the outskirts.
Another excellent example is Barcelona’s Superblocks initiative, where blocks of neighbourhoods are closed to through traffic, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists. Streets within each superblock are redesigned with benches, green spaces, and playgrounds, creating a lively pedestrian environment with reduced noise and air pollution.
In walkable communities, people are also more likely to engage with their surroundings, fostering a sense of connection and satisfaction with where they live.
Walking-friendly spaces often feel safer and more inviting, and they promote casual social interactions with neighbours, which can further improve happiness and a sense of community.
Community and Social Connection
The built environment can encourage or discourage social interactions, and social connections are a vital component of happiness.
Neighbourhoods that are designed with communal spaces – such as a public squares or marketplaces, parks, and shared amenities – promote a sense of community and increase opportunities for socialisation. Examples include Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia,
Places where people can naturally gather, such as coffee shops, libraries, or playgrounds, help foster social connections, reduce loneliness, and create a sense of belonging.
On the other hand, environments that lack communal areas or are designed to prioritise cars over pedestrians, like Milton Keynes in the UK, and Houston, Texas in the US, can make it harder for people to connect with one another, potentially leading to isolation.
In sprawling suburban or car-dependent neighbourhoods, for example, residents may feel disconnected from their community, which can negatively impact happiness and well-being.
Noise, Air Quality, and Pollution
Noise, air pollution, and poor air quality are environmental stressors that can have a profound impact on happiness and mental health.
High levels of noise pollution, especially from traffic or industrial sources, can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, and even anxiety. Constant exposure to noise can prevent people from relaxing, reduce their ability to focus, and impact overall mental well-being.
Similarly, air pollution and poor air quality have been linked to respiratory issues, reduced immune function, and other health problems, all of which can decrease life satisfaction.
An example is Mexico City, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. This air pollution there has been linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and higher rates of anxiety and depression among residents.
Noise levels there frequently exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, impacting residents’ ability to relax and find peace, even in their own homes.
Environments with clean air, minimal noise, and reduced exposure to pollutants contribute to a healthier and happier population.
Cities with good urban planning often have zoning regulations to keep industrial activities separate from residential areas, which helps reduce these negative impacts. Examples include Copenhagen, Denmark, Tokyo, Japan, Stockholm, Sweden, and Vancouver, Canada.
Safety and Security
A sense of safety in one’s environment is essential for happiness and mental well-being. People feel more comfortable and relaxed in spaces that are well-lit, well-maintained, and designed to minimize the risk of accidents or crime.
Features like street lighting, visible crosswalks, and clear sightlines can help create a safer atmosphere.
When people feel safe, they are more likely to spend time outdoors, engage with their community, and enjoy their surroundings.
On the other hand, environments that feel unsafe can lead to increased anxiety and discourage social interaction, reducing quality of life and happiness.
Housing Quality and Personal Space
The quality of housing and the availability of personal space play a major role in happiness. A home that is safe, clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to meet individual needs can enhance life satisfaction.
Access to natural light, ventilation, and comfortable living spaces has been shown to boost mood and productivity. Personal space is also important, as crowded or cramped living conditions can lead to stress and decreased well-being.
For many people, home is a place of refuge and relaxation, and a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environment can have a powerful effect on happiness.
On the other hand, substandard housing, inadequate space, and the poor living conditions present in many inner cities, can contribute to anxiety, stress, and lower life satisfaction.
Availability of Essential Services and Amenities
Proximity to essential services, such as grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, and recreational spaces, can significantly affect happiness.
Living close to these amenities reduces the time and stress associated with accessing daily necessities, improving convenience and quality of life.
Additionally, access to cultural amenities, such as art galleries, museums, theatres, and community centres, such as in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and Lewes, East Sussex, adds to the quality of life by providing opportunities for relaxation, learning, and socialisation.
Aesthetic Appeal and Connection to Cultural Identity
The aesthetic quality of the built environment can also impact happiness. People tend to feel happier and more connected to places that are visually pleasing, well-designed, and culturally meaningful.
Buildings with interesting architecture, public art, and thoughtful landscaping can create a sense of pride and attachment to a neighbourhood or city. Examples include The Shard, London, The Eden Project, Cornwall, and La Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain.
Incorporating cultural elements, local art, and designs that reflect the identity of a community can strengthen people’s sense of belonging and pride in their surroundings.
Feeling connected to the culture and heritage of a place has been shown to positively affect happiness and community cohesion.
Advocate for spaces that enhance well-being
The built environment has a powerful impact on our happiness and well-being. Environments that are walkable, connected, green, safe, and aesthetically pleasing contribute to a healthier and happier population.
Good urban planning that prioritises social interaction, safety, and access to nature can help foster strong, connected communities and improve quality of life for residents.
By recognising the importance of the built environment, individuals and communities can advocate for spaces that enhance well-being and promote a sense of belonging.
